Dear colleague:

Given the profound uncertainties as to direction and velocity of federal health care policy and funding streams, which by definition are interdependent with state policy and funding, the Colorado Medical Society has been collaborating with a diverse working group of organizations formed by the Denver Metro Chamber, Health Advocates Alliance, and Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, to form a set of “common principles” to be delivered today, Jan. 4, to our Colorado Congressional Delegation. The group was very amenable to phrasing and construction preferred by CMS to ensure compatibility with our long-standing positions regarding health system reforms. Click here to read the common principles.

The board of directors will convene a work session on Friday, Jan. 20 to assess the congressional dynamics and will likely send you a series of flash polls to gauge your reactions and concerns as the federal health care reform debate evolves. I ask that you please respond to these surveys.

Because participating in a Colorado-based federal coalition expands our reach and influence, we will continue to participate in future meetings. The coalition will reconvene early this month to discuss possible next steps to a collaborative stakeholder approach.

Independent of the coalition, CMS provided guiding principles for health care reform and other policies to Gov. Hickenlooper and the insurance commissioner to help inform their response to a request from U.S. House leadership on health care reform. We are also working with our congressional delegation and closely coordinating with the American Medical Association to provide input on policy and respond to any needs or inquiries the delegation or individual members require. Click here to read the 2017 AMA health reform objectives.

We will keep you advised during these volatile transitions and debates. Don’t hesitate to contact me at president@cms.org should you have any questions or thoughts to share.

Katie Lozano, MD, FACR
CMS President